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Automobile Engineering
High-performance Front Suspension Systems
Introduction:
High-performance suspension systems are usually installed on sports cars. In these cars, the driver expects improved steering quality, especially when driving and cornering at higher speeds.
Multilink Front Suspension System
- In a multilink front suspension, a short upper link is attached to the chassis with a bracket, and the outer end of this upper link is connected to a third link.
- Large rubber insulating bushings are mounted in each end of the upper link. The lower end of the third link is connected through a heavy pivot bearing to the steering knuckle. The lower link is similar to the conventional lower control arm.
- A rubber insulating bushing connects the inner end of the lower link to the front cross-member, and a ball joint is connected from the outer end of the lower link to the steering knuckle.
- In the multilink suspension system, the ball joint axis extends through the lower ball joint and upper pivot bearing, but the ball joint axis is independent from the upper and third links.
- The extra links in a multilink suspension system maintain precise wheel position during cornering to provide excellent directional stability and steering control while minimizing tire wear.
Double Wishbone Front Suspension System
- Double wishbone suspension systems provide increased suspension rigidity and maintain precise wheel position under all driving conditions to supply improved directional stability and steering control.
- In the double wishbone front suspension system, the upper and lower control arms are manufactured from lightweight, high-strength aluminum alloys designed for maximum strength and rigidity.
- These lighter control arms decrease the unsprung weight of the vehicle, which improves traction and ride quality.
Multilink Front Suspension with Compression and Lateral Lower Arms
Some lateral multilink front suspensions have compression and lateral lower arms. The lateral arm prevents front wheel movement, and the compression arm prevents fore-and-aft front wheel movement.